Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2025 i Business Traveller

HOWDY, Y'ALL! Get ready for a boot-stomping, country singing romp through Music City with this month's cover story on Nashville. From the late-night dive bars spilling onto Honky Tonk Highway to the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry, this city knows a thing or two about how to entertain. Dive into the action on page 48. Sadly, I haven't personally experienced the city myself, but I did catch the bug from hit TV series Nashville in the 2010s. I binged the first season on a flight from Hong Kong to Sydney. It was arguably one of my best flights ever – and all down to the IFE. Inflight entertainment has come a long way, from a single screen per cabin to personal entertainment hubs in the sky. Today, you…

Capella Taipei Capella Hotels and Resorts has launched in Taiwan with a sanctuary-like hotel in the Dunhua North Road district of Taipei. The hotel boasts light-filled interiors by celebrated designer André Fu, complete with 86 rooms and suites, plus five dining venues and a spa. If you don't secure one of the rooms with a private pool terrace, head to the communal pool on the 14th floor, complete with a backdrop of the Taipei skyline – or camp out in The Living Room and hear from local historians. Miiro Templeton Garden, London Independent lifestyle brand Miiro has debuted in London with a hotel in Earl's Court, complete with a leafy landscaped garden ideal for the spring months. The 156-room Templeton Garden features café-meets-deli Pip's, modern British restaurant Pippin's, and cocktail…

Herbal tea A soothing camomile or fresh peppermint tea will help you relax for your flight and avoid dehydration. Complex carbs Whole grains, brown rice and quinoa all offer slow burning energy release without spiking your blood sugar – ideal for long periods of sitting. Lean protein Whether you go for turkey or tofu, light proteins will support energy levels and muscle function during your flight. Fruits Boost your immunity with Vitamin C-packed oranges, and enjoy a potassium-rich banana to regulate blood pressure and ward off muscle cramps. Healthy fats Nuts, seeds and avocados are great at helping you stay full and easing digestion.…

IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first branded net zero carbon hotel, located within Exeter Science Park – a hub for STEMM businesses. The 142-room voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, developed with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality, operates solely on renewable and solar energy, and boasts a BREEAM Outstanding rating. Solar panel technology ensures the hotel generates more electricity than it consumes every year, while its heating, cooling and cooking are 100% electric. Visitors can even travel there sustainably thanks to its car park with 12 EV charging spots.…

BLUE This entry-level tier is available to all members. Instant upgrades using Skywards Miles at check-in or onboard Waitlist priority Access to free unlimited messaging when travelling SILVER You need to earn 25,000 tier miles or take 25 flights. All Blue tier benefits 30% bonus miles on Emirates and flydubai flights Complimentary Emirates business class lounge access in Dubai GOLD You need to earn 50,000 tier miles or take 50 flights. All Blue and Silver tier benefits 75% bonus Skywards Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights Complimentary economy class seat selection for you and passengers in your booking PLATINUM You need to earn at least 150,000 tier miles and take one qualifying flight in first or business class. All Blue, Silver and Gold benefits Complimentary check-in from a Dubai home…

How did you become a racing driver? I grew up in Dumbarton, Scotland, where Dad owned a garage business. My brother, Jimmy, drove for the Ecurie Ecosse team and competed at the British Grand Prix in 1953. It was hugely exciting to be in the pit lane. One of my father's customers asked if I would like a trial in a racing car myself. I did well enough to be asked back. Were you competitive as a youngster? I wasn't looked after very well at school – they often treated me like an idiot and I left when I was 15 to work in the family business. I found out many years later that I suffered from dyslexia. In those days, nobody seemed to know about it, so there was…

MOUNTAIN HUB GOURMET, MUNICH Munich is the world's only airport with a Michelin-starred restaurant, located at the Hilton hotel between Terminals 1 and 2. Mountain Hub Gourmet's four or six-course tasting menus celebrate local Bavarian produce wherever possible, while business lunches include the likes of venison with pumpkin and radicchio or decadent egg yolk ravioli with Parmesan. HUNGRY CLUB, MADRID–BARAJAS Dabiz Muñoz is an award-winning chef with Michelin stars across his restaurants, so Hungry Club promises much more refinement than its name might suggest. Globally inspired dishes include laksa and ramen, pizza with kimchi or his famed signature Pedroche cheesecake. There are five Hungry Club outlets across Spain, with three more to come. ‘Chef Cyril Lignac has teamed up with Louis Vuitton for an intimate café housed in a futuristic…

ANNIVERSARIES ARE ALWAYS the perfect excuse to raise a glass. Two airlines celebrating significant milestones this year are serving up special pours onboard. Air New Zealand is marking its 85th birthday by launching wine label, Thirteen Forty Five, paying homage to the distance covered on its inaugural flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940. The carrier has worked with wine producer Villa Maria to craft the new offering, which will be served in domestic Air NZ lounges and also in premium economy cabins on international routes. Vineyards in Marlborough's Awatere valley provided the Sauvignon Blanc grapes, promising passion fruit and lemongrass on the nose, while the Pinot Noir from the Wairau Valley has notes of cherry and plum. This year also marks Delta's centennial. The airline's partnership with family-owned Champagne…

THE LATEST TREND in the wellness world is anything but new. Spas and tour operators have realised that tried and tested ancient treatments can help us wind down and feel more peaceful. Himalayan tour operator Shakti Himalaya has launched all-inclusive ‘Soul Soother’ wellness breaks, running until September in India's Ladakh region, 3,500 metres above sea level. These include time with a traditional healer, monastery visits to learn Buddhist meditation, daily hikes and yoga, and healthy Indian meals cooked by a private chef. New itineraries from adventure travel company Explore are also focusing on time-honoured health practices. The 12-day Discover South Korea Tour, for instance, includes the opportunity to meet Korean Buddhist monks and learn martial art Sunmudo. Closer to home, nip over to Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. Inspired by…

ROCCO FORTE HOTELS is offering guests at its Hotel de Russie and Hotel de La Ville properties in Rome exclusive experiences of the Eternal City. Guests can join a private walking tour from Piazza Pia to St Peter's Basilica, attend a traditional art class, or tour the city's Papal Basilicas. For those wanting to venture further afield, there's a day trip to Castelli Romani – a collection of hilltop villages south-east of Rome – which includes a tour of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo. Prices start from €1,150 (£960) for two people.…

DOMESTIC Collections Gallery at John Rylands Library, Manchester John Rylands Library is celebrating its 125th anniversary by opening a new gallery space on 15 May, complete with over 40 artefacts. These include a 14th-century trilingual Qur'an manuscript, Shakespeare's first folio, Alan Turing's notes on the groundbreaking MARK I computer, plus a notebook from Rob Gretton – the manager of rock bands Joy Division and New Order. SHORT-HAUL Fenix, Rotterdam The city's newest museum will open on 16 May within a restored warehouse in the waterside neighbourhood of Katendrecht. Its debut exhibition All Directions: Art That Moves You showcases 150 contemporary and historical pieces by international artists, all relating to the museum's focus on migration. The ground floor will be home to free events featuring food, performances and Dutch-language sessions. LONG-HAUL…

WITH PEOPLE FLOCKING to Nashville in throes, Music City is expanding its transport infrastructure. Nashville International Airport's US$4.5 billion ‘New Horizon’ expansion, complete with new and expanded concourses, additional facilities and enhanced baggage handling capacity, is set to complete in late 2028. Progress this year includes the opening of the Concourse D extension in July, which will feature five new gates, an outdoor terrace and more than 190,000 square feet of additional facilities – including five F&B venues and three retail outlets. New routes will also boost international visitor numbers to Music City, with Nashville forecast to welcome over half a million international visitors by 2026 – a 42% increase over 2023. Last month, Aer Lingus launched a four-times-weekly nonstop service from the equally musical Dublin, while Icelandair started seasonal…

We get a first taste of award-winning chef Monica Galetti's spring and summer menus onboard Singapore Airlines' daily flight from London Gatwick AIRLINE REVIEW Singapore Airlines A350-900 business LOUNGE REVIEW Delta One Lounge LAX HOTEL REVIEWS W Nashville + more RESTAURANT REVIEW Il Milione at Lasarte, Barcelona Background Singapore Airlines launched flights from Gatwick to Singapore in June 2024, operated by its A350-900 aircraft. At the end of March, the route increased from five-times-weekly to daily. SQ309 departs from Gatwick's North Terminal at 0925 and arrives at Changi T3 at 0615 the following morning. Singapore Airlines doesn't have a lounge at Gatwick, however eligible passengers are granted access to the No1 Lounge. The seat As previously reviewed (find out more at businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested) business class is split across two cabins, with…

What's it like? Chefs Martín Berasategui and Paolo Casagrande have long orchestrated stellar experiences, drawing inspiration from the finest local produce. But a different culinary journey inspired Il Milione – the legendary 24-year voyage of 13th-century Venetian explorer Marco Polo, later relayed in Book of The Marvels of The World (or Il Milione). Casagrande is the brains behind the private dining experience, which transports guests from the Basque country via the Mediterranean to Asia and Latin America. Calling dinner an ‘experience’ may strike fear into those looking for a relaxing evening out, with potential shades of Ralph Fiennes in The Menu, a comedy horror film that satirises Michelin-starred establishments. However, the three-hour tasting menu, served in a private space overlooking the busy kitchen, was extraordinary. The ‘experience’ starts with the…

HAVE WE SHATTERED the glass ceiling? No. Is the gender pay gap resolved? Also no. But compared to the 80s – we've come a long way. This month, we retrieve an article by Susan Marling from Business Traveller's March 1983 issue, which documents the plight of the travelling businesswoman. Back then, female business travellers were “still the exception, rather than the rule” – portrayed in the media either as “dowdy dowagers buttoned into sensible clothes, or pencil-thin, shiny-lipped divorcees on impossible heels”. Their existence confused, shocked or offended fellow travellers, particularly outside Europe and the US. “With women most usually on the sidelines offering service – female business travellers get a raw deal,” wrote Marling. Hotel horrors Female executives faced frustratingly sexist approaches. Gisela Burg, managing director of Expodus, recounted…

JEREMY TAYLOR Jeremy is a freelance motoring and travel journalist and presenter. His work appears in The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Tatler and various other titles around the world. On page 60, he explores Denmark in a Polestar 4, while searching for Bluetooth. RICHARD LORD Richard is a freelance journalist based in Hong Kong. A former editor for The Wall Street Journal and editorial director of Haymarket Asia, he also writes for South China Morning Post and Tatler Asia. On page 66, he investigates whether working from home is becoming a thing of the past. ALLY WYBREW Ally is a Gozo-based writer who, between diving shipwrecks and seeking out Malta's new bars, writes about travel for titles including Time Out, The Independent and High Life. On page 37,…

AVIATION Air France unveils La Première HOTELS New openings around the world TRAVEL Eurostar faces competition SUSTAINABILITY IHG's first net zero hotel OSAKA MIGHT BE famous for its food scene but in 2025 it has been thrust into the spotlight for another reason: Expo 2025, which kicked off in April and concludes on 13 October. The event takes place on Osaka's Yumeshima Island, with some 28 million visitors expected to attend. The theme for this year's expo is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, but what does this entail? Forums and conferences covering everything from AI to sustainable urbanisation (carbon neutrality and digital innovations will be major focuses); a sprawling pavilion area with themed zones dedicated to saving, empowering and connecting lives; and dozens of individual pavilions built by various…

ONE OF MY favourite benefits in the points and miles world is United's Excursionist Perk, which allows travellers to add a free one-way ticket on certain round-trip itineraries booked with United miles. The airline has 17 designated regions around the world that group together various countries that fall within similar geographic areas. In the context of the Excursionist Perk, if you book a round-trip ticket with your miles that starts and ends in the same region, you can tack on an extra one-way flight to your itinerary within a different region for free. A simple example of taking advantage of United's flight perks is booking a round-trip flight between the US and Europe, which are considered two different regions. For instance, I can create a flight itinerary that involves travelling…

SPRAWLING LANGUIDLY ALONG the Gulf of Oman, modest-sized Muscat has found an equilibrium between historic tradition and fast-paced modernity. Unlike several Arab cities, construction restrictions forbid skyscrapers and promote classical Omani design. The capital is a city proud of both its heritage and its wealth – let's discover some of the highlights. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Capable of accommodating 20,000 worshippers at once, this opulent piece of architecture blends regional elements with international influences. Walls, windows and doorways echo Andalusian and Moroccan stylings, while materials hail from all over – the carpet in the men's prayer room is the second largest in the world, hand-stitched by 600 Iranian women, while its towering marble columns originate from Italy and its dense doors are constructed from Myanmar teak. The defining piece is…

THE PRIVATE CLUBS of 19th-century London had something of a reputation as all-male bastions of privilege, but one reincarnation has seen them become far more inclusive – and spread far beyond the British capital. The award-winning cocktail bar Punch Room can be found in EDITION hotels in London, Barcelona, Madrid, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Rome and Tampa. Interiors feature dark leather club chairs, funked-up soundtracks and stellar cocktail lists with libations including a Milk Punch crafted from ingredients such as Hennessy Cognac, Planteray 3 Stars rum and Cider Brandy. All the extra details are revealed in the Punch Room's new menu ‘The Recipe Book', which chronicles how to make your own versions of its classics and new creations from the bar manager, Anthony Callegari. There are also fool-proof step-by-step guides for…

BORED OF THE gym? Now you can work out in a virtual setting thanks to the VR fitness app FitXR for Meta Quest, which brings exercising firmly into the 21st century. It allows users to feel like they're in a real fitness class, offering over 1,000 classes including boxing, combat, HIIT, Zumba, sculpt and dance – plus new workouts daily to keep things interesting. The app also features daily challenges and rewards to encourage users to get moving every day. Multiplayer functionality will allow you to ‘work out’ with a friend for extra motivation, while you can also phase out the virtual setting slightly to keep track of your real surroundings. All this and you won't even need to leave home to work out.…

“Damn straight!”, shouts a Stetsonclad spectator behind me. Straight ahead, a blue-jeaned man sways to the rhythm – entranced. The rest of the 4,400-strong congregation wave their phone torches in unison to T. Graham Brown's passionate performance of Wine into Water – the lyrics calling on God's support for his journey to sobriety. We're at Nashville's iconic Grand Ole Opry, the Mother Church of Country Music. Celebrating its centenary this year, the Opry is home to the longest-running live radio show in the US, hosting household names such as Willie Nelson, Hank Williams and Dolly Parton, as well as contemporary stars Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, plus rising songwriters. Every week, a regularly changing line-up of eight or more artists perform on the famous six-foot hardwood circle – their dulcet…

There have been some, shall we say, colourful contributions to the ongoing debate regarding remote work, revealing some rather entrenched views. Here, for example, is JPMorgan Chase chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon at a recent town hall event in the United States, in response to a petition signed by 950 company staff requesting more flexible working arrangements. “Don't give me this s**t that work-from-home-Friday works. I call a lot of people on Fridays and there's not a goddamn person you can get hold of. It simply doesn't work. It doesn't work for creativity. It slows down decision-making. I've had it with this kind of stuff. I don't care how many people sign that f***ing petition.” The issue of flexible work, then, continues to be highly contested territory. Not so much…

SWISS SILENCE A two-hour delayed SWISS flight from Heathrow to Geneva in January was inconvenient and the response from the airline’s customer service was perfunctory. As the delay was under three hours, my request for compensation was denied under regulation EC261/2004 (the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation that defines rules for compensation to air passengers, in the event of a cancellation or denied boarding). However, a second email from SWISS confused matters by asking for my bank account details, which I found very odd. With fraud prevalent these days, I emailed the airline for an explanation and further details, but it never replied. I found this unacceptable. Mark Peaker, London SWISS replies: We regret that the flight departed with a delay and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused your…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VIENNA LOUNGE, TERMINAL 1, VIENNA AIRPORT, AUSTRIA Find cold cuts of meat and cheese, a salad bar, and a wide range of traditional desserts in the Viennese cafe, including the classic apple strudel. You'll also be able to enjoy Austrian beers and wines, including an Austrian sparkling wine. NO1 LOUNGE, LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 Seasonal food and premium British produce reigns supreme at the new lounge in The Queen's Terminal. Passengers will find hot and cold dishes, from pastries to salads, plus Fever Tree Tonics for a classic British G&T. KYRA LOUNGE, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Tuck into comforting classic Chinese congee and Cantonese dim sum, or iconic Hong Kong street food like fish siu mai and traditional curried fishballs. Pair your meal with the ‘Fragrant…

‘You need to master the art of earning miles through means other than just flying’ Ollie Wilson chats to the head of the Emirates Skywards frequent flyer programme about the best ways to maximise loyalty benefits Emirates Skywards has experienced a lot of growth recently. What kind of numbers are you experiencing and what do you think has led to that growth? We've reached 35 million members, and I'm very proud of that, but I think the most important thing is that we're now seeing growth in engagement. We've been acquiring around 9,000 to 10,000 new members daily. I think there are three factors that contribute to our growth. 1. Dubai's global appeal: its 2024 tourism numbers had 9% year-over-year increase, with nearly 19 million visitors. 2. Emirates' premium travel…

ISTEAL A glance to my left. An 18-inch IFE monitor shows familiar animated characters – a cowboy, space ranger and Bo Peep. While Pixar's Toy Story plays silently, the images are accompanied by a series of sniffles and the occasional cough to disguise a whimper. Moments later, a middle-aged businessman emerges from the seat, the lapel of his tailored suit dampened, his head bowed and eyes bloodshot as he scurries to the lavatory to compose himself. In any other circumstance, it might be unusual for a fully grown man to be weeping at a children's animation – but something strange happens to us at 35,000 feet. Over the years, I've inexplicably shed tears at trashy rom-coms that, on land, have left me dry-eyed. We've all been there. But what prompts…

If an extra day means escaping the city, there are fantastic options just a few hours away from Muscat. Don your walking boots and tackle the 3.5km (one way) ‘Balcony Walk’ of Wadi Ghul, the Middle East's deepest canyon. This scenic trek follows a ledge-like trail halfway up a cliffside dotted with mountain goats and breathtaking views, before ending in the ruins of the old As Shab village. Alternatively, make a beeline for Wadi Shab (left). This lush rocky canyon is filled with palm trees, turquoise water pools and funky geological formations. Take a refreshing dip or tackle the gently ascending gorge-edge path to enjoy cinematic views. Visitors can number in the hundreds, so head here early. Stop at Bimmah Sinkhole on your return for another quick dip and photo…

IF YOU STRUGGLE to maintain a healthy lifestyle while travelling, Kimpton has the answer. The upmarket hotel chain has launched a wellness concierge service to help guests keep up good habits – even when they're not at home. Available at Kimpton's hotels in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, the service includes bespoke fitness plans, complimentary bikes to borrow and in-room Technogym equipment including dumbbells, yoga mats and resistance bands. Guests will also gain free access to the Swell Sound Therapy app to help them drift off at night, and can even have a plant delivered to their room – which is shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. Worried you won't be able to resist the room service menu? Feel free to dial with abandon. Kimpton has introduced a…

GADGET PICK FUJIFILM HAS RELEASED a compact digital camera, ideal for those who pack light on their travels. The GFX100RF (£4,699) is the brand's smallest and lightest of the GFX range, and the first to feature a fixed lens. Available in either a sleek silver or black finish, the new model can shoot video and capture a range of settings – from low-lit street photography to wide-angled travel snaps.…

Novotel Hotels has teamed up with Paris Saint-Germain to offer immersive rooms across its hotels around the world. Each ‘Legendary Room’ will profile a former PSG player, featuring framed portraits and football memorabilia. Guests will also have access to exclusive video interviews and match highlights via a QR code on their keycard. The rooms are being gradually unveiled, with the first dedicated to Javier Pastore in Novotel Jakarta Cikini, Indonesia.…

Canopy by Hilton Nashville Downtown The Gulch This new hotel opens on 24 May in the Gulch district, joining Marriott's W Nashville (see our review on page 79). Located a ten-minute walk from downtown, the hotel offers 181 rooms and suites, plus dining venues ranging from New York-style pizza pies to rooftop Mexican cuisine and Tennessee's largest list of agave spirits. Songteller Hotel Country legend Dolly Parton is behind this museum-meets-hotel in downtown Nashville, promising displays of her glitzy costumes, memorabilia and a soundtrack chronicling her illustrious career. It's due to open in 2026 and we've got our eyes and ears peeled for further details. The Printing House Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Set to open in July, this LEED-certified hotel in downtown Nashville draws inspiration from the city's printing…

What's it like? Hidden among the tropical greenery of Orange Grove Road, Shangri-La Singapore provides a welcome hideaway from the Orchard Road shopping stretch nearby. The hotel opened in 1971 and has expanded to offer 792 rooms across three wings – each with their own look and appeal. Tower Wing is the oldest of the three, though it underwent a major renovation in 2017. Here, guests are met with a gleaming lobby of soaring columns, a leafy feature wall and a hanging cloud of doves above the check-in desks. GOOD -TOKNOW The quietest time to grab a buffet breakfast at The Line is 6am to 7.30am (peak hours are 8.30-10am). Next to be built was Garden Wing in 1978. As its name suggests, it looks over a bank of water…